CAMP NOU : Barcelona pushed hard for a historic comeback at Camp Nou on Tuesday after losing the first leg 4–0 in early February, but ultimately fell just short despite a spirited performance.

Teenage midfielder Marc Bernal scored twice for the Catalan side, while Brazilian winger Raphinha converted a penalty as Barcelona attempted to overturn Atletico’s advantage. However, Diego Simeone’s men held firm in the closing stages to secure their place in the final.

Barcelona began the match aggressively, with Fermin Lopez firing a long-range effort just over the bar as Hansi Flick’s side pressed for an early breakthrough. The hosts suffered an early setback when defender Jules Kounde was forced off due to injury.

Atletico also threatened on the counterattack, with Antoine Griezmann coming close against his former club. Ferran Torres missed a couple of chances before Barcelona eventually broke the deadlock.

Young star Lamine Yamal delivered a low cross across the face of goal, which was finished from close range by fellow teenager Bernal, highlighting the club’s emerging young talent.

Barcelona doubled their lead before halftime when Pedri was brought down in the penalty area by Marc Pubill. Raphinha calmly converted the spot kick, sending Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso the wrong way.

Joao Cancelo nearly added a third soon after, but Musso produced a superb save to keep Atletico in the tie. Bernal later scored his second with a volley from Cancelo’s cross, bringing Barcelona within one goal of leveling the aggregate score and setting up a tense finale.

Despite the pressure, Atletico managed to hold on to their slim advantage and secure their place in the final.

Simeone’s side will now face either Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao, who meet in the second semifinal leg on Wednesday to decide the other finalist.

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